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Pain inflicted by bullies endures Sun Thisweek columnist Larry Werner says bullying must be confronted to end its cycle of pain. Page 4A

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All jazzed up in Burnsville The free-admission Art & All That Jazz festival returns to Burnsville’s Nicollet Commons Park Aug. 18 with headliner Randy Brecker. Page 12A

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Burnsville | Eagan August 10, 2012 | Volume 33 | Number 24

Tech support firm to move to Eagan by Jessica Harper

Election is Tuesday by John Gessner

Sun Thisweek

A Boston technology support firm that previously said it would move its world headquarters to Apple Valley now plans to call Eagan home. Stream Global is expected to bring between 340 and 400 jobs to its relocated headquarters and call center at 43,000-square-foot building at 3285 Northwoods Circle. In a July 27 letter to city officials, Vincent Mottola, vice president of Stream Global, said it plans to spend between $1.5 million and $2 million to renovate the building, for which work is expected to begin by Sept. 1. This comes as good news to city officials. “I’m always pleased when any corporation identifies the assets Eagan has and decided to locate and bring jobs here,” said Mayor Mike Maguire. Stream Global, which has a temporary corporate office in Bloomington, is seeking financial assistance from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, but the amount is unknown. Company representatives could not be reached in time for this story. Eagan City Administrator Tom Hedges said the company has indicated it plans to lease an adjacent building, which would provide another 300 to 400 call center jobs. The final plan would likely be confirmed about three months after Northwoods opens. If the company secures the second building, it could spend about

Burnsville city primary loaded with candidates Sun Thisweek

Photo by Jessica Harper

Boston technology support firm Stream Global has said it plans to move its world headquarters and call center to a 49,000-square-foot building at 3285 Northwoods Circle in Eagan. The move is expected to bring between 340 and 400 jobs. $2 million in renovations. In his letter, Mottola describes Stream Global as a provider of sales, customer service and technical support services for Fortune 1000 companies worldwide. The company has 33,000 employees in 49 locations across 21 countries. It currently manages millions of voice, email and chat contacts each year from customers around the globe, he said. Stream Global is one of several companies to relocate to Eagan in recent months. Prime Therapeutics announced in December it plans to add 300 jobs through a $5 million expansion near its Eagan headquarters. Earlier this year, two other companies, Ecolab and Eastcoast document management company Diversified Information Technology announced large expansion plans within Eagan that company representatives say will bring a significant amount of jobs.

These moves have been a welcoming sight for city officials after one of its largest employers, Lockheed Martin, announced plans in 2010 to close its facility in Eagan. In March, Stream Global said it intended to move its headquarters to Apple Valley where the company’s CEO Kathy Marinello resides. But the company abandoned that plan in June when it announced it was unable to find a large enough building to meet its needs. About $2.4 million in forgivable loans had been offered to assist the firm in relocating to Apple Valley. That included a $1 million loan that is still available from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development, according to a Star Tribune report. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Three candidates are running for mayor and eight are running for two City Council seats in the Burnsville primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 14. Incumbent Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, who has been mayor since 1995, is facing Jerry Willenburg and Bill David Ansari. Willenburg ran against Kautz in 2008, losing with 46 percent of the vote in the closest race of Kautz’s career. The open council seats are currently held by Dan Gustafson and Mary Sherry. Sherry is seeking reelection to a second term. Gustafson is retiring after two terms. The other candidates are Suzanne Nguyen, Richard Hoel, Bruce Johnson, James Cammarato, Rochell Ansari, Steve Cherney (a former council member) and Patrick Madden. Mayor and council terms are for four years. The top two vote-getters in the mayor’s race and the top four in the council race will advance to the general election in November. Primary voters can choose only one mayoral candidate and up to two council candidates. More election information and polling places are on the city’s website, www.burnsville.org. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Candidates’ responses to Sun Thisweek Newspaper questionnaires begin on Page 6A of this edition.

Let’s hear it for Hooverball History comes alive with new game at Burnsville High by John Gessner Sun Thisweek

Olympic games inspire athletes Area athletic swimming, gymnastics and other clubs are seeing many new members thanks to the Olympics. Page 14A

Online Follow SunThisweek. com for primary election results and reaction from the candidates. Check out the website for more photos from the Dakota County Fair in Farmington.

After sweating out their Advanced Placement American history tests last spring, students in Carla Staffa’s AP history classes at Burnsville High School were rewarded with more sweat. Staffa’s three AP history classes adjourned to the gym for one day of Hooverball, a medicine-ball game invented by Herbert Hoover’s doctor to melt pounds from and reinvigorate the 31st president of the United States.

The year-end class exercise might have started a craze. Still novices to the game, five BHS students dove into big-league Hooverball Aug. 4, competing in the 25th annual National Hooverball Championship in Hoover’s hometown of West Branch, Iowa. And Staffa is completing the paperwork to launch an official Hooverball club Submitted photo next year at BHS, which Burnsville Hooverballers who competed in the National Hooverball Championships in West she’ll advise. Branch, Iowa, are, from left: Top row — A.J. Hey, Davis Hey and Peter Dudziak. Bottom See Hooverball, 5A row — Christina Sahli, Kylie Jacobsen and Laura Garbe.

Walmart to become a major employer in Burnsville

Eagan residents unite

Store opening set for Oct. 26

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ment could swell to 400 over the holidays. The 350 to 375 jobs Hiring begins would make Walmart Aug. 20 for Walmart, the No. 8 employer in Burnsville’s newest town, based on 2011 major employer. figures from the Min A Walmart store nesota Department of that won City Council Sean Brooks Employment and Ecoapproval in January is scheduled to open Oct. 26 at nomic Development. 12200 River Ridge Blvd., east Brooks said wages will of Interstate 35W in north probably range from $8 to $15 an hour. “It depends on expeBurnsville. A hiring center will open rience,” he said. Aug. 20 at 12245 Nicollet Ave. He and his department S. in Burnsville, said store managers have been getting to know community leaders, manager Sean Brooks. The store will provide 350 including Mayor Elizabeth to 375 jobs, half of them full See Walmart, 10A time, Brooks said. Employby John Gessner

2012 Eagan Funfest ambassador Megan Towle (left) and Sarah Schmidt, fresh food coordinator at the Eagan Resource Center, help guests pick out pumpkin seed packets at the Night to Unite event on Aug. 7 at the Eagan Resource Center.

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Eagan man makes threats, District 196 students exceed state references to Aurora shooter average in reading, math scores by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

An arrest of an Eagan man for a minor warrant last week began as routine for police, but soon turned into something much more bizarre. Police say the 56-year-old man began referring to himself as “The Joker” and Aurora, Colo., shooting suspect James Holmes. Thomas Michael Casper was charged Aug. 2 by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office with terroristic threats for his rants. According to the criminal complaint, officers responded on July 31 to Casper’s home in the 400 block of Ridge Cliff Drive after receiving a noise complaint. While

en route, officers learned Casper had a misdemeanor warrant and began to arrest him as he stood on his Thomas driveway. Casper As police officers escorted Casper to their squad car, he allegedly became agitated and referred to himself as The Joker and shouted to his neighbors: “I’m coming back. You guys are done.” Casper allegedly threatened the officers in the car the entire way to the Dakota County Jail. At one point, Casper said, “I should be The Joker” and “I wouldn’t own a gun but if I did, I would do

what Holmes did. I would blow people away.” Casper said he understood why Holmes allegedly committed mass murder in Colorado and ranted about his home being in foreclosure and that he has nothing going for himself anymore. One of the officers reported he believes Casper’s threats are genuine and that Casper will attempt to carry out his threats at some point. Casper is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Aug. 28. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

A few grade levels continue to struggle

by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Students in RosemountApple Valley-Eagan schools once again outperformed the state average on standardized tests. The percentage of District 196 students who scored as proficient or better on the reading and math portion of the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments is higher than the statewide average, according to results released on Aug. 1 by the Minnesota Department of Education. The standardized test assesses whether students

are proficient in reading, math and science. The reading and math portion of the test is given to students in grades three through eight. Students in 10th grade also take the reading portion of the test, while students in 11th grade take the math portion. The science portion is given to students in fifth and eighth grade, and high school. Those results have not yet been released. More than 13,000 students in District 196 took the MCAs last spring. The percentage of third, fourth and eighth graders

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in the district who scored proficient stayed the same compared to last year. Proficiency increased by 2 percent for sixth graders and by 3 percent for seventh and tenth graders in District 196. Statewide, the percentage of students who scored as proficient in reading stayed the same or increased in most grades. Although the performance of students in District 196 remained the same or improved, it fell for one grade. The percentage of fifth graders who scored proficient in reading dropped by 3 percent. Proficiency among fifth graders statewide fell on average by 1 percent. District 196 saw fewer improvements in math proficiency than in reading, but continued to exceed the state average. Students in most grade levels increased their proficiency this spring. Fifth graders’ proficiency in math increased by 2 percent while proficiency among tenth-graders climbed by 10 percent compared to last year. Scores by seventh graders in the district rose by one percent while eighth graders’ scores increased by 11 percent. Fewer students in fourth and eleventh grade scored proficient on the test this spring than last year. Fourth graders’ scores decreased by 2 percent compared to last year and eleventh graders’ scores fell by 10 percent. This slightly exceeds the statewide average for eleventh grade, which showed a 6 percent drop in proficiency. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Rosemount selects Burnsville captain to lead police Eric Werner has been with Burnsville since 2004 by Tad Johnson Sun Thisweek

Eric Werner, a current police captain in Burnsville, is expected to be the new chief of police in Rosemount. Werner was announced as the City Council’s selection after its Monday round of interviews of three candidates. The city still needs to come to terms with Werner on a salary and benefits package and have a background check completed, according to City Administrator Dwight Johnson. If all goes well, Johnson said a final council approval of the contract could come at the Aug. 21 meeting. “I think it worked out really well,” Johnson said. “The council had some good candidates from a good field.” The candidates were whittled from an initial field of

11 and then reduced to six who were interviewed two weeks ago by a panel of city staff, local residents and the Eagan Chief of Police James McDonald. The other finalists were Jewel Ericson, police lieutenant in Rosemount, and Michael Marben, police captain in Apple Valley. Johnson said the application process had a high threshold for candidates as the city accepted only those applicants who have had law enforcement command experience. The opening occurred when Police Chief Gary Kalstabakken retired from the Rosemount force on May 31. Johnson said he felt the process, which lasted a little over two months, wasn’t rushed and moved along in a timely manner. He said the candidates felt the process was fair.

Werner has been a police captain in Burnsville since October 2004. He served on the Dakota County Drug Task Force Advisory Board from 20042010 in the capacities of chairman, vice chairman and secretary. Werner has a master of arts in police leadership, education and administration from the University of St. Thomas and a bachelor of arts in organizational management and communication from Concordia University. He is a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rosemount and is a Rosemount resident. The three finalists participated in an open house Wednesday, Aug. 1, in the council chambers. Tad Johnson can be reached at tad.johnson@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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Opinion

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

The pain inflicted by bullies can last a lifetime by Larry Werner Sun Thisweek

It’s probably been 20 years since I happened upon an essay written by my daughter, who is now a 38-year-old mother of two. The essay was about the importance of her sense of humor in dealing with bullying. Specifically, she wrote in that high school paper that her sense of humor helped her deflect the taunts and harassment she received from pre-teen girls who made her a target when she showed up as the new kid at an Edina elementary school. During a transient stage of my career, I had moved my wife and children five times in six years through five states, ending up in Edina. Years later, I found out that one of the consequences of my moves was setting my children up for bullies who pick on the new arrivals. My older son, likewise, was bullied – punched and pushed at the bus stop outside our Edina home by a troubled boy who lived next door and acted out his frustrations by tormenting my son. My younger son, whose anxiety disorder frustrated a physical education teacher into provoking one of my boy’s meltdowns, painted for me a picture of the bullied child. As we were driving away from the Lakeville school I was summoned to after his meltdown, my son asked me to stop the car. He pointed to another young boy who stood on the periphery of where other boys were playing. “He’s like I am,” my son said of the kid who watched, rather than played, because

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Larry Werner

he wasn’t one of them. I am reminded of these experiences from my own parenting life by the stories appearing regularly in our newspapers concerning the problem of bullying. Jon Tatting, reporter for The Post Review in North Branch, wrote in the July 4 paper that a survey of parents, students and staff revealed that bullying is a major concern in the Rush City schools. Jon wrote about the testimony of a parent who took her complaints about the bullying of her child to the district’s school board and the superintendent. That superintendent, Vern Koepp, said the school district plans to develop a bullying-prevention plan. High school counselor Heidi Larson said it’s important that the plan will be student-driven. She said: “Students have a big influence on each other. We need kids to want to be kind.” The story of bullies is one of the most important of our time. The staff of the papers we publish in Anoka County was recognized by the Minnesota Newspaper Association for its coverage of what became a national story about a lawsuit settled in March by the Anoka-Hennepin School District over al-

legations of persistent bullying based on sexual orientation. More recently in Lakeville, the Sun Thisweek papers have written about the cyber-bullying that took the form of junior high students posting locker-room photos of classmates on internet sites. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom filed charges against four teenagers in that incident. A state task force on bullying issued a report July 18 calling for a stronger state anti-bullying law after conducting listening sessions around the state. A national anti-bullying organization gave Minnesota the lowest grade given to any state when it graded state laws dealing with the issue. The state Task Force for the Prevention of School Bullying appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton takes issue with the position of former Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who vetoed an anti-bullying law in 2009, saying the current law was sufficient. The issue of bullying is of great interest to many of us who have endured with our children the hurt bullies inflict. And we are thankful for the educators, social workers and public officials who are bringing attention to the issue. Rush City school counselor Heidi Larson said bullying has become more prevalent and more complicated because of social media. “The social media and cyber stuff is out of control,” Larson said. “Someone will put something on your Facebook page and the parent of the target will respond.” Technology might be making the prob-

lem more complicated, she said, but the solution is simple. “Can we just go back to the simplicity of being kind?” she asked. “The solutions are simple, but how do we get there?” In the case of my children, we found in schools there are people like Larson who want to help the victims of bullies. A school social worker met regularly with my daughter to help her through those difficult times and provide her with affirmations she wasn’t getting from the bullying peers. But all these years later, if I mention the name of the girl who took the lead in bullying my daughter, she talks with passion about how painful that time was for her. The principal at my middle son’s school warned the mother of the bus-stop bully that he wouldn’t be allowed to ride the school bus if he continued his assaults. And in the case of my youngest, we eventually found a charter school was a better place for him than the mainstream public school. If you have stories you’d like to share about bullies and how you’ve dealt with this problem, e-mail me at the address below. Larry Werner, a former Lakeville resident and general manager/editor of Sun Thisweek, is director of news for ECM Publishers. His email address is larry.werner@ ecm-inc.com. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Progress but big questions about Minnesota’s high school math test by Joe Nathan Sun Thisweek

There’s “promising progress” in Minnesota’s just released elementary and middle school test results. However, would it be acceptable for about 40 percent of Minnesota students not to graduate from high school? The question arises since 42 percent of Minnesota’s high school juniors did not pass Minnesota’s soon to be required math test. That was part of the Minnesota Department of Education’s new report about spring 2012. Compare that 42 percent failure rate to only 8 percent of ninth-graders who did not pass Minnesota’s writing test currently required for graduation. Last year’s juniors don’t have to pass that math test to graduate. But as Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius told me in an interview last week, under current law Minnesota students who want to graduate in spring 2015 will have to pass this math test to graduate. Here are area passage rates (rounded to the nearest percent) for 11th-graders (the statewide average was 58 percent): Farmington, 69 percent; Lakeville North, 69.3 percent; Lakeville South, 69.8 percent, and

Sun Thisweek Columnist

Joe Nathan

Burnsville, 56 percent. The 10 high schools with the highest percentage of students passing included suburban, rural and urban district and charter public schools: Eagle Ridge Charter (Eden Prairie), 93 percent; Kittson Central, 92 percent; Math and Science Academy Charter (Woodbury), and Nova Academy charter (St. Paul), 86 percent; Edina, 85 percent; Kasson-Mantorville and Mounds View, 84 percent; Minnetonka, 83 percent; and Eagan and Orono, 82 percent. Minnesota students currently must do three things to graduate from high school. First, pass courses that give them 21.5 credits with each credit equivalent to a one-year-long class. Those credits are in English, math, social studies, science, art and physical education, plus courses stu-

dents select. Second, students must pass any requirements that school districts add. Third, students must pass statewide reading and writing tests. Students don’t have to pass the math test to graduate. But in three years, they will. As with the reading and writing tests, students will have several chances to pass the math test, which they currently take for the first time in the 11th grade. I asked the commissioner if she thought significantly more students would pass the math test if it was required for graduation? She answered, “no.” We agreed that at least some would take it more seriously. However, Cassellius believes that there is a “fundamental flaw in the way we are using graduation tests.” She thinks we are “trying to do too much” with one test. “We have to decide how we want to hold schools accountable, how to make sure that students are prepared for college, and how to insure that diplomas are meaningful,” she said. She has appointed a statewide, 34-member Assessment and Accounting Working Group to provide her, and the Legislature with advice. The task force includes par-

ents, teachers, principals, testing experts and representatives of business and community groups. This task force will consider Minnesota’s entire testing program, not just the assessments currently required and projected for use as part of the high school graduation. They also will review testing in grades 3-8. At those grades, as the commissioner noted, there is “promising progress” in both reading and math. For more results, see the MDE website, education.state.mn.us. The department will be releasing additional results later in August. As we consider test results, Minnesotans must consider what’s appropriate to require? When should we test students, and how? Graduation for thousands of Minnesota students may depend on our answers. Joe Nathan, formerly a Minnesota public school teacher and administrator, directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome at jnathan@centerforschoolchange. org. Columns reflect the opinion of the author.

Letters City shouldn’t bail out Caponi To the editor: Ever wonder why the city of Eagan has such an insatiable appetite for pouring money into the so-called Caponi Art Park? This project began many years ago as a private citizen’s “hobby.” Being an art instructor, Anthony Caponi came into possession of some artworks from former students and others. Some of these items could be classified as art and for others it would be a stretch. Mr. Caponi brought these home and put them

around his property. Then when it became too expensive to maintain his “hobby park” he went to the city to “bail” him out and buy a portion of the property under the guise of “keeping Eagan green.” Negotiations began and as the deal came close to reality there was a last minute change where the Caponis decided to keep part of the property to build condos on. (So much for the importance of the “green” concept.) The county would not allow access from Diffley so the city allowed access from the city park property to private condos.

Now we hear that the mortgage on the property is hard to pay with the current modest attendance and the Caponis want the city to dump even more money into the park. Residents should contact the mayor and City Council members and tell them to stop spending money on this. We have wonderful parks in Eagan and we don’t need to divert park money to again bail out someone’s private “hobby park.” Let it succeed or fail on its own merits. Stop the city subsidies. Mike McGraw Eagan

Letters to the editor policy Sun Thisweek welcomes letters to the editor. Submitted letters must be no more than 350 words. All letters must have the author’s phone number and address for verification purposes. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. Letters reflect the opinion of the author only. Sun Thisweek reserves the right to edit all letters. Submission of a letter does not guarantee publication.

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Chick-fil-A controversy To the editor: It has been very interesting following the recent Chick-fil-A controversy. The Chick-fil-A CEO simply stated that, based on his Biblical beliefs, marriage should be between one man and one woman. Wow, did the radical left become apoplectic with that one. It exploded with indignation and, as per usual, showed its true colors of its brand of tolerance and inclusion, “You are only allowed to express your thought if you agree with us.” The comments of the mayors of Chicago and Boston and officials of who knows how many other cities bespeak of fascist censorship. Chicago mayor, radical Rahm Emanuel, bloviates that Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values. That coming from the murder capital of America.

Thank the good Lord, Chicago values are not the values of We the People. One wonders what the old-time Democrat boss of Chicago, Richard J. Daley, would have to say about homosexual marriage, the racist that he was. How long before The radical left perpetrates its own symbolic version of “Kristallnacht” against Chick-fil-A? CHUCK ERICKSON Burnsville

Daley knows what’s at stake

growth in the economy which will benefit all of us with more jobs and a higher standard of living. Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, knows what it takes to improve the Minnesota economy and he’s committed to continuing that work. The news that Minnesota has ended its fiscal year with a significant surplus demonstrates solid progress, taking our state from a hefty deficit to a positive balance. There will be dramatic calls for major new state spending, but that would only put us back in the hole. Daley will continue to safeguard the interests of taxpayers, and our children, who need to receive a good education and be able to anticipate a future without inheriting crushing debt. I will work to see that Ted Daley continues to work for the people of Minnesota.

To the editor: I’m an independent and I’m not tied to either of the major parties because I got tired of all the game playing. But I do believe that we need to be represented by good people who listen to the voters and act wisely and responsibly. I am also a CPA and think it’s important that we elect people PEGGY BENSON who understand what drives Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Hooverball, from 1A video from a Great Depression documentary Staffa “I believe we’ll have a good showed her classes. following of 30 to 50, any “It was those 30 seconds grade, AP, non-AP,” said we got all excited about,” student Peter Dudziak, said Dudziak, who will be a whose insistence on sam- senior this fall. “We looked pling the sport helped get it up and realized it was a the Hooverball rolling. really fun game, and one “We’ve seen interest from thing led to another, and both, actually, as word has we played Hooverball. We’d spread from AP kids to the been sort of bugging our teacher for several months non-AP kids.” Proclaimed in a 1931 to play it in class.” magazine article to be Staffa reserved gym time more strenuous than box- and consulted with phy ed ing, wrestling or football, teachers, who “were conHooverball is played by cerned we’d hurt ourselves, teams of two to four players so they wouldn’t let us play who hurl 6-pound medicine with real volleyball nets,” Dudziak said. “They made balls over 8-foot nets. When a server throws us play with badminton the ball, a member of the height.” opposing team must catch Unfamiliar with all the and immediately return it, particulars, students played attempting to place the ball with balls ranging from where it can’t be reached beach balls to 12-pound medicine balls twice the regand returned. The game is scored like ulation weight. tennis. The point goes to the “I, personally, played team that causes the other with the 6-pound ball team to miss a ball or throw for half the hour and the 12-pound ball for the othit out of bounds. “Every morning from 7 er half, and it was quite a to 7:30 he (Hoover) would workout, I tell you,” Dudgo out on the lawn and play ziak said. with cabinet members, Su- Staffa brought a friend preme Court justices and who recorded the students varying high-ranking offi- for a YouTube video she cials,” Staffa said. “He lost later sent to the Hoover quite a bit of weight and Presidential Library and was healthier, they specu- Museum in West Branch. late, as a result of playing “They ate it up,” Staffa said. “I probably got, withHooverball.” Students were introduced in the first day and a half, to the game in a snippet of half a dozen emails from a section of Hoover-related people at the presidential

library — from the head of the Hooverball Championships to the archivist at the Hoover Library.” She and her students were invited to the Hooverball tourney held during Hoover’s Hometown Days in West Branch. Staffa and five students who will be seniors this fall made the trip: Dudziak, A.J. Hey, Christina Sahli, Kylie Jacobsen and Laura Garbie. Three of their families also attended, cheering on two Burnsville teams that competed in the men’s and women’s divisions. Elevenyear-old Davis Hey filled in on the men’s squad for another student who couldn’t make the trip. The teams competed in early games but, knowing they were outclassed, forfeited tournament-ending round robin play following a weather interruption. “I believe we lost all of our games,” Dudziak said. “We were just happy to score some points. Because let me tell you, those other people,

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they take their Hooverball very seriously. ... Hoover’s kind of a big deal in that tiny little town in Iowa.” The Burnsville crew was given an official Hooverball from the presidential library and a tour of the library and museum. “Which is nice,” Staffa said. “Because we’re all history geeks.” The 31st president is known for the onset and deepening of the Great Depression, but he’s gotten a “bad shake in history,” Staffa said. She pointed to Hoover’s efforts before he was president to deliver food aid to countries ravaged by World War I. “You can’t really blame him for the Great Depression,” Dudziak said, citing food aid, the Child’s Bill of Rights and his tenure as Commerce secretary as accomplishments. “He was actually a pretty decent guy.”

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John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Burnsville Mayor Candidates David Bill Ansari

Age: 56 Occupation: Continental/United Airlines customer service Education: Minnesota Drafting School, Hennepin Te c h n i c a l College, TV/ video technician for Zenith, Sony, Sylvania Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Volunteered for the Mark Dayton campaign, volunteered and helped mayors in California get elected, coached soccer for schools. 1. Why should people vote for you? I feel that people should vote for Bill Ansari because I am out to help the people. I want to listen to the people, help the people, and make Burnsville a proud place to live and/or work. I have an open door policy and I want to hear from the people and the business owners of Burnsville. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? The riverfront needs to be cleaned up and at this time it is not being addressed. We need to make things look nice for Burnsville. The Performing Arts Center is not being used. The center was built to provide entertainment or programs for Burnsville. It is currently not being used because the funding is not available. Plans need to be adopted to obtain an operating budget and utilize this facility for the residents of Burnsville. My vision for Burnsville is more business and more jobs. One way to do this would be to make it easier for more hotels and restaurants to open new businesses in Burnsville. Draw in customers from nearby cities and states as a tourist

destination. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? I would take a look at the budget for the city of Burnsville. I would look at where the spending is going and see if it is acceptable for that area. See if there are areas that need increased funding and areas where funding can be decreased. I need to see what will benefit Burnsville as a city and improve the issues that could potentially bring in more tourists and/ or businesses. The cost-cutting measures should really be addressed for the benefit of the City of Burnsville. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? I feel that the mayor and council over the years have addressed and handled the issues that needed to be handled at the time. I feel that they were not looking at the future of how programs will benefit Burnsville in the years to come. I feel that my leadership style is organized, willing to listen and find a solution to any issue and/or concern.

Elizabeth B. Kautz (incumbent)

Age: 65 Occupation: Elected official – mayor, city of Burnsville Education: B.A. in theology and M.A. in counseling psychology P rev i o u s elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Burnsville: mayor, city of Burnsville (present), Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors (present), member of the Lions Club (present), International Festival (present), mem-

ber of the Burnsville City Council, former Rotarian, board of directors Burnsville Chamber of Commerce, board of directors Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and Past Chairperson. Regional: Co-founded the Regional Council of Mayors and served as chairperson for six years, member of Regional Council of Mayors and chairperson of Jobs and Work Force Solutions (present); board of directors of Greater MSP (present), chairperson of St. Mary’s University Council of Regents (present), Regional Alliance Task Force (present), Minnesota Export Task Force (present), Metropolitan Council Local Government Advisory Committee (present), board of directors of Municipal Legislative Commission (present), past chairperson and board member of the Suburban Transit Authority, past chairperson and board member of Dakota Communications Center. National: past president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and presently member of the Executive Committee/trustee for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, USCM Audit and Finance Committee (present), cochair USCM Small Business/International Franchise Task Force (Present), USCM Transportation/ Te l e - C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Standing Committee (present), USCM Tourism/Arts/ Parks/Entertainment and Sports Standing Committee (present), Advisory Committee to the EPA Administrator (Present). 1. Why should people vote for you? Burnsville is in a strong financial position and, since I took office in 1995, has twice improved its bond/credit rating to a strong AAA rating at present. Our debt has been reduced over 50 percent, as we continue to reconstruct and

repair our roads. The Infrastructure Trust Fund we put in place allows these repairs on a pay-as-we-go basis. Burnsville is safe; crime has been reduced by 36.69 percent since 1995. Our parks, ice center, golf course and performing arts center are enriching lives and increasing business. Burnsville is headed in the right direction. I am devoted to and work tirelessly for Burnsville! 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? Burnsville’s demographics are aging and diversified and its product value has matured, requiring improvement. We are encouraging property owners to comply with property maintenance regulations. We need to work with our school district to improve graduation rates, thus increasing a higher quality of workforce for our businesses. We need to work with business to expand in Burnsville and to invite more business leaders to visit us to consider Burnsville for their next expansion. We need to continue to partner and work with businesses, other cities, nonprofits and faith communities to solve social issues in Burnsville, such as helping children succeed in school. We need to keep Burnsville safe and ensure emergency services to all residents. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? Every year we right-size our operations and make cuts necessary for efficient usage of available technology to determine cost-effective solutions. We also look at areas where we can save and evaluate projects that will give us greater returns on our investments. We focus on energy conservation and more efficient equipment to arrive at effective solutions. Service delivery continues to be evaluated. Burnsville’s population in 1995 was 55,000. Today it is 61,000 with the same number of personnel for a

city that is 99 percent built. Burnsville citizens have always been kept in mind to ensure they get great value for their tax dollar. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? I am very proud of the work of the Mayor and council. I am a collaborative, caring, fiscally responsible leader focused on good decisions for Burnsville. I make business decisions rather than ideological decisions. Shifting paradigms in this global economy require the use of our experience, networks and relationships to attract business to Burnsville so that our citizens will have available jobs and live self-sustaining lives in a well-run, safe and beautiful city.

Jerry Willenburg

Age: 56 Occupation: General manager, contract management Education: Associate of arts degree P rev i o u s elected, appointed or volunteer positions: 2009 program director, “Feeding Our Future” sponsored by the Sodexo Foundation; executive director for BRAVO (Burnsville Restaurant Alliance Volunteer Organization); former chairperson for the PR/Communications Committee, River Hills Church; former member of the SPPR Committee, River Hills Church and Church Council, River Hills Church. 1. Why should people vote for you? I am not a typical politician and I believe that there is a strong desire among the public to have someone new as mayor that can represent the true agenda of the people, and not just settle for the agenda of two or three individuals. When elected officials have been in office too long

the agenda of the people becomes lost within the agenda of the politicians. Politicians are not born, they evolve. I believe that in most cases when elected officials remain in office for too long they turn into politicians. It’s time to start fresh with our city government. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? According to the 2000 and the 2010 censuses, the population of Burnsville has only increased by 79 residents, but there have been nearly 600 new housing units added during this same time. This has saturated the housing market in Burnsville and further driven down our home values. We also have many vacant business and retail spaces, some in a very prominent part of the city. I have specific plans for developing coalitions for both the housing issue and the business gap that exists in our city. I have not seen our current mayor even recognize these issues. Despite the reduction in the losses of the Performing Arts Center in the last few months, the losses are still significant. Combined with the staggering annualized debt, costs to the city are still well over $1.5 million each year and will continue for many years to come. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? I would not support spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the addition of a stoplight in the middle of a block as we have seen on Nicollet Avenue. I support reducing or eliminating the transfer of the host fees to underwrite the subsidy of the PAC, forcing the PAC to become more independent financially than it is today. I would seek to eliminate the high travel costs associated with our city leaders traveling to Washington, D.C., and other parts of the country to attend club meetings. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? As a result of recent changes in our City Council we have council members that have reined in some of the less contained spending that has taken place over the last 18 years or so. My strength is in creating an atmosphere that is open and encourages a broad crosssection of people to freely share their ideas. It is in this atmosphere that good ideas can become great, and great ideas result in progress. See Primary, 8A

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

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PUBLIC NOTICE LAC LAVON BEACH BEACH AREA RENOVATION CITY PROJECT NO. 10-408 FOR THE CITY OF BURNSVILLE DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the City of Burnsville at the office of the City Clerk until 11:00 a.m. CST, Wednesday August 15, 2012 at the Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337, and will be publicly opened and read aloud at said time and place by representatives of the City. Bids arriving after the designated time will be returned unopened. Said proposals are for the furnishing of all materials and labor associated with the Lac Lavon Beach Area Renovation. Improvements will include the following approximate quantities: removal of timber retaining wall sections (390 LF), removal of concrete pavement (28 SY); installation of a 6-inch concrete drive (3,500 SF) and a 4-inch concrete walkway (3,300 SF); installation of limestone seating blocks (30 EA); installation of rainwater garden soils (120 CY) and installation of shrubs and perennials (690 EA); and native seeding (0.5 AC). The bids must be submitted on the Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans, and Specifications as prepared by SEH 3535 Vadnais Center Drive, Saint Paul, MN 55110, which are on file with the City Clerk of Burnsville and may be viewed at www.sehinc.com . Questions should be directed to Danyelle Pierquet, SEH at 952.912.2608. Complete digital Proposal Forms, Plans and Specifications for use by Contractors submitting a bid are available at www.questcdn.com . You may download the digital plan documents for a nonrefundable fee of $30.00 by inputting QuestCDN Project No.2177062 on the website's Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. Paper copies of the Bidding Documents may be obtained from Docunet Corp. located at 2435 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, MN 55441 (763.475.9600) for a fee of $100. Bids shall be accompanied by a cashier's check, bidder's bond, or certified check payable to the City of Burnsville, for not less than five (5) percent of the amount of such bid, which shall be forfeited to the City of Burnsville, in the event that the bidder fails to enter into a contract. Bidder's bond must include certified copy of the power of attorney. For bonding purposes, the bid shall be the total of Base Bid items and Alternative Bid items for completed construction, as indicated on the Bid form. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City of Burnsville, together with the bid security, in an opaque envelope which shall be plainly marked with the project title and the name and address of the Bidder. If a bid is to be mailed to the City of Burnsville, the bid envelope should be sealed in a regular mailing envelope. Bid security of the three lowest Bidders will be retained until the contract has been awarded and executed, but not longer than sixty (60) days from the date of opening bids. The City of Burnsville reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informalities or irregularities. No Bidder may withdraw their bid for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid opening. DATED: July 17, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL s/s Macheal Brooks | City Clerk City of Burnsville, Minnesota PUBLISHED IN THE: Sun Thisweek: August 3, 2012 and August 10, 2012 Finance & Commerce: July 27, 2012 3094181 8/3-8/10/12

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PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BURNSVILLE BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA -PROPOSAL FOR SERVICE SNOWPLOWING OF SIDEWALKS\TRAILS City Project Number 12-318 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals will be received by the City Council of the City of Burnsville at 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337, until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 and will be publicly opened at said time and place by two or more designated officers or agents of the City of Burnsville, said proposal for the furnishing of all labor and materials for the maintenance, complete in place of the following approximate quantities: Approximately 120 miles of sidewalk and trail snowplowing for the 2012 -2015 winter seasons, Covering October 10, 2012 through April 30, 2015 The bids must be submitted on Proposal Forms provided in accordance with the Contract Documents, Plans and Specifications as prepared by the City Engineer, which are on file with the City Clerk and may be obtained at the office of the City Engineer. Digital copies of the Contract Documents can be obtained at www.questcdn.com o r www.burnsville.org/bids . The Quest CDN project number is 2190862. Bidders can download the 2012-2015 Winter Seasons Trail & Sidewalk Snow Removal contract Document for $20 by searching for the project on the QuestCDN website's Project Search page or selecting the engineering/Public Works Bid link and then the project on the Burnsville website. Please contact QuestCDN.com at (952) 233-1632 or info@questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading and working with this digital project information. Bidders can also view the Contract Documents at either website free of charge. No bids will be considered unless sealed and filed with the City Clerk of the City of Burnsville endorsed upon the outside wrapper with a brief statement or summary as to the work for which the bid is made. and accompanied by a cash deposit, certified check, bid bond, or cashier's check payable to the City of Burnsville in the amount of five percent (5%) of the amount of bid, to be forfeited as liquidated damages in the event that the bid is accepted and the bidder shall fail to promptly enter into a written contract and furnish the required bond. The City of Burnsville reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities, and to award the bid in the best interest of the City. No bids m ay be withdrawn for a p e r i o d o f forty-five (45) days. The Council will consider such bids in the Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL Macheal Brooks, City Clerk, City of Burnsville, Minnesota Published in the Burnsville Sun Thisweek - August 10th and 17th Published in the Finance & Commerce August 10th and 17th Published in Quest - August 10th and 17th To receive future bid notices via email or to see the plan holders' list, visit www.burnsville.org/bids 3108912 8/10-8/17/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Official Publication) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 2013 BUDGET FOR THE LOWER MINNESOTA RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT Notice is given that at a regular meeting of the Board of Managers of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District scheduled for 7:00 PM on August 15, 2012, at the District's meeting place at the Chaska City Hall, Valley Room, One City Hall Plaza, Chaska, Minnesota, the Managers of the District will consider the adoption of the District's preliminary 2013 budget. A summary of the proposed budget to be considered is as follows: A $569,583 budget which would require a total tax levy of $ 525,000 in 2013 to be collected from taxes due and payable in 2013, of which $250,000 will be levied pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103D.905, Subd. 3, to be used for administrative purposes, including permit review, permit inspection, cooperative projects, engineering, legal services, and costs and other expenses of the District's operations and $275,000 will be levied pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 103B.241, Subd.1 to pay for projects identified in the District's approved and adopted plan necessary to implement the purposes of Section 103B.201. Dated:July 25, 2012 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS s/ Len Kremer, Secretary Lower Minnesota River Watershed District 3097081 8/3-8/10/12

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BURNSVILLE BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Burnsville will be seeking Request for Proposals (RFP) from interested firms for Playground Equipment for Cliff Fen Park. Interested firms should contact Garrett Beck, Recreation Supervisor at 952-895-4516 to request a RFP form. Proposals should be sent to the City of Burnsville, 100 Civic Center Parkway, Burnsville, MN 55337 by 4:30 p.m. on the 24th day of August, 2012. Proposals submitted after this time and date will not be considered. Proposals will be considered according to criteria established by City officials. Copies of the evaluation criteria may be obtained from the Recreation Supervisor or by visiting http://www.burnsville.org selecting Document Center - Bids and RFP's. The evaluation will be used to select a proposal or multiple proposals for final selection. Successful proposal(s) will be brought to the Burnsville Parks and Natural Resources Commission for final review and to formulate a recommendation for City Council. The City of Burnsville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, activities or services. To obtain this information in alternative forms such as Braille, large print, audio tape of qualified readers, please contact the City of Burnsville at 952-895-4400, TDD 952-895-4567. 3097098

City of Burnsville, Minnesota 8/3-8/10/12

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Anniversary celebration Arbors at Ridges and Ebenezer Child Care in Burnsville will celebrate their 10th anniversary with festivities from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. The community is invited. The event will include

free food, games for all ages, prizes and live Big Band entertainment. It will be held at Ebenezer Ridges Child Care, 13810 Community Drive, Burnsville. Call (952) 898-8419 for information.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Burnsville City Council Candidates Rochell Ansari

Age: 38 Occupation: Service assistant at Country Financial, co-owner with husband Sam Ansari of Oak City restaurant Education: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Volunteer coach for Burnsville Soccer 1. Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I look forward to working hard for the citizens of Burnsville. I am honest and fair and will strive to make the city the best place to reside and to raise a family. I love living and raising my daughter here. I am straightforward so I will not be afraid to address tough issues facing residents and the city government. Burnsville is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people and I look forward to serving the community! 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? The main issue that comes to mind is the economy. I would like to see more jobs created in Burnsville. I realize this is easier said than done. It is exciting to see new businesses being built knowing the jobs they will create. Taxes are always on my mind. Being a business owner, I know how much we are taxed, and it is always frustrating when we face a tax increase. I would like to see how we can change the spending of the city of Burnsville to best benefit the residents. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? No response 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? The work of the current mayor and council has had its ups and downs. I believe there is always room

for improvement. My leadership style is to be involved with the residents and listen to their concerns and work to make sure concerns are addressed in a timely manner. When I say I am going to do something, I do it.

James Cammarato

Age: 59 Occupation: Licensed investment advisor Education: Bachelor of science degree, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: I purchased my Burnsville townhome in 1993 and have been on the board of directors for the Oak Leaf West Homeowners Association for approximately 10 years. I have been a member of the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce and Public Policy Committee for the past two-plus years. 1. Why should people vote for you? I support the creation of a Burnsville Riverfront Tax Increment Financing District (TIF). As a Burnsville City Council member I would propose the following plan to bring companies to the TIF district. First: I support marketing the TIF district to established companies looking to relocate /modernize their current facilities. Second: My plan is to bring together resources that are already stimulating new company creation (examples are the Minnesota Cup, the University of Minnesota Innovation Partnership, Lifescience Alley, Minnesota Science and Technology Authority and others) together with funding sources like the Minnesota Cup, the Small Business Administration,

banks and venture capital groups. 2. What is the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? Burnsville must focus on bringing companies to our city. The obvious result is jobs. Here are the third and fourth parts of my business development plan. Third: My plan would be to bring big box retailers together with small business to create a sustainable community business model. In short, local small business would compete for self-space at the big box retailer. Walmart and other retailers have stated their commitment to buy from local agriculture. Establishing a hothouse agriculture company(s) in the riverfront TIF would certainly fit this model. In addition Walmart has getontheshelf. com, which is a competition for small business to get products on Walmart’s shelves. Fourth: I support the creation of a Burnsville Port Authority located along the Minnesota River and existing rail line. With the establishment of the Port Authority we could then take advantage of the MSP Export Initiative and further aid companies in the TIF district. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? From my previous board and committee experience I understand the value of reading, consulting, discussing and then voting on any expenditure or budget item. It would be irresponsible to target any spending item without first completing this process. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? I believe there is support for a riverfront TIF district and a Burnsville Port Authority within the office of mayor and some

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council members. I live by one of the great lessons I learned at the University of Minnesota: “Don’t bring problems, bring solutions.” I am a bottom-up leader. In my previous management experience, I have completed a program evaluation of each department to determine its purpose, effective operation and results.

Steve Cherney

Age: 60 Occupation: Retired AT&T state government affairs manager and local business owner Education: Master of public administration degree, U n ive r s i t y of Nebraska Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Previous Burnsville planning commissioner, Burnsville City Council Member, Burnsville Rotary treasurer, current Senate district treasurer, operations Fire Muster board member, Burnsville emergency responder and Minnesota Volunteer Network member. 1. Why should people vote for you? I will listen to the citizens of Burnsville and work on their behalf. As a 24-year resident of Burnsville, I have experience in appointed and elected positions with the city government. I have also served and continue to serve in many volunteer capacities and partnering activities with the city. I understand and have a core belief that government at all levels should only provide for services and facilities that we cannot provide for individually: police, fire, roads, sewer, water, to name a few. I will vote to restrain unnecessary spending and

support the other council members in that effort. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? An important issue will be choosing a new police chief and city manager upon their retirements. Other issues require financial restraint and careful attention. I will help retain our AAA bond rating, manage the retiring TIF districts, support the city operating on a zero budget increase for the next four years, review the newly adopted 10year plan to look for cost savings and benefits to the city, and shift the $250,000 annual amount from the general fund to the private sector with the overall objective of transferring ownership of the Performing Arts Center to the private sector. Other issues I want to address include improving the consistency of our drinking water, and addressing property value devaluation, road maintenance, Heart of the City underdevelopment and commercial property vacancies. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? Burnsville is a safe, attractive and clean place to live, and I would not want to undermine these qualities. However, all expenses should be open for review, so that the positive aspects of the city can be retained with as little government involvement and cost as possible. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? The current City Council makeup has been the best representative council in 20 years. When possible, I would work collaboratively with the council and mayor to address the key issues; but I also will stand by my principles and positions.

Richard Hoel

Age: 43 Occupation: Financial planner Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, St. Olaf College Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: No response 1. Why should people vote for you? The city needs a return to common sense and a renewal of spirit that made it great. When I was a student of Burnsville Senior High School, the city was a place that people around the Twin Cities aspired to move to. Now it has one of the poorest household incomes in Dakota County. This is the result of bad government at the local level for many years. I want to raise the spirit and reputation of Burnsville that residents enjoyed when I was younger. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? Our city has become increasingly diverse with a growing number of students with special needs. This will place an even larger squeeze on the property taxpayer in coming years. With tax revenues and property values falling, we need to do better for the taxpayer than say, “We here at the city are going to lower our projected increase in spending.” 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? The city should be attracting commerce and a good citizenry by demonstrating fiscal responsibility, not by shelling out tax payer money for “Welcome to Burnsville” signs at $50,000 each. There is going to come a time when the city will need to stop shoveling our money into the Performing Arts

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Burnsville City Council Candidates Center and let it stand or fail on its own merit. I also want to look at money the city spends merely because the city is getting matching funds or being coerced by the state or Met Council. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? Anyone who would approve spending $20 to $40 million of the taxpayer’s money on such a massively, financially irresponsible project as the Performing Arts Center should not be serving in any public office in my city. The mayor and council are simply out of touch with reality. Reality tells me you can’t have government spending increase forever at our expense. The time has come for a council that will seek to make Burnsville great again by fostering an environment that will inspire people to come live and work here, not by buying expensive signs and subsidies.

Bruce Johnson

Age: 47 Occupation: Account manager Education: A.A. degree Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Treasurer and campaign volunteer worker for various campaigns 1. Why should people vote for you? I have been a Burnsville resident since 1995. I have experience as an operations manager, overseeing a large staff. This involves balancing a budget, hiring employees, processing payroll and daily operations. I am a hardworking individual who believes in fiscal responsibility and accountability. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? Taxes, road improvements and public safety. I would support a zero tax increase. We need to continue to improve our local roads. I also would support the continuation of more awareness of public safety. I also would work to find a solution for the Burnsville Performing Arts Center to become self-sufficient and end all taxpayer funding 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? I would support lowering taxes by working with surrounding communities to consolidate services to reduce costs and become more efficient. As I had mentioned above, I would end the taxpayer funding of the

Burnsville Performing Arts Center and look at creating more programs such as the Adopt a Road program, which creates volunteerism in the community. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? I support the continued business growth in the community, which creates more jobs and tax base for our city. I have many years of experience as a manager, but I believe working with fellow City Council members as a team would accomplish what we set out to achieve for the city.

Patrick Madden

Age: 70 Occupation: Retired in 1999 Education: One-hundred-ninety-six college credits Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: Bloomington police reserve, president of Alano board, 3 Rs Treatment Center advisory board, Hennepin Vo-tech advisory board, auto mechanic, St. Bonaventure Church usher, Local 49 union steward, OSHA committee, city of Golden Valley superintendent of vehicle maintenance 1. Why should people vote for you? I would like to get people back voting for the people and not personal agendas of the people voted in. Open-mindedness. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? I went to City Hall to find out who paid taxes, name of corporation and officers of a piece of property valued at over $9 million. I was told they couldn’t find it and to go to Dakota County. I went to Dakota County in Hastings. They sent me back to Burnsville City Hall. There were three people in Burnsville offices, and they told me to go see a certain department. I asked why it was such a hard time getting in to see anybody. I was told it was for homeland security because they didn’t have any metal detectors. I then made an appointment with the mayor and asked her about 10 different issues, and it didn’t get resolved. That’s when I decided I should run for City Council. I believe Burnsville has a strong mayor and weak council. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? The cost-cutting measures should be chosen by the people in the city. That’s why they have council meetings and pub-

lic hearings. I’m not blaming anybody. People need to get involved. I’m very cost-conscious. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? No response

Suzanne Nguyen

Age: 50 Occupation: Speech/language pathologist Education: Bachelor of science and master of arts in communication d i s o r d e r s, both completed at the University of Minnesota Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: I have focused my attention in volunteering at my daughter’s school, Echo Park Elementary School in Burnsville. I am involved as an Art Adventure coordinator and presenter and I volunteer in the classroom working with students. 1. Why should people vote for you? I was born and raised in Minneapolis. I was brought up Lutheran and I am a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. My husband and I were married in 2000 and moved to Burnsville in 2001. He is a physician at Park Nicollet in Burnsville. We have an 8-year-old daughter who attends Echo Park Elementary School in Burnsville. I currently work for the Minneapolis Public Schools as a speech/language pathologist. What are most important to me are family and community. We need to keep our neighborhoods safe for our children. We need to continue to maintain and improve our parks and our programs for our youth. It is important to me that our children are well educated so that they can make our world better. The city has done a fantastic job in creating an environment that attracts businesses and families. We need to continue to be creative to meet the needs of all of our citizens. My husband and I love Burnsville, and as a City Council member, I will strive to maintain and improve the quality of life of our community. I will do my best to listen to the people and I would be honored to be The Voice of Burnsville. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? The current mayor and City Council members have done a great job in the face of recession. Where

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many other suburbs struggle, Burnsville has continued to attract new businesses. Burnsville continues to maintain a full-time police and fire department. The major challenge is to keep our infrastructure intact while maintaining our budget. The city needs to make fiscally responsible decisions but at the same time needs to maintain our standard of living. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? I believe we need to maintain our public safety first and foremost. Currently we have a seven- minute response time for fire and police. I do not believe anyone would want to cut spending in these areas. Burnsville has already done a lot to cut costs. The number of full-time public employees has decreased. When a person retires or leaves a position, some of those positions have been absorbed by others and those positions have not been replaced. Burnsville is on the cutting edge of trying to automate services so that we do not need as many employees. We should continue to look for privately funded sponsors for the Performing Arts Center. We need to attract more families to the center, perhaps by offering more children’s theater and activities. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? Based on the current public survey, 75 percent of Burnsville residents feel that things in general are heading in the right direction. I agree that the current mayor and City Council members have done a good job. I am a team player. I will go along with the majority so long as it will not compromise my character, integrity, and values.

Mary Sherry (incumbent)

Age: 72 Occupation: Burnsville City Council Member; retired business owner Education: B.A., Dominican University, River Forest, Ill.; M.B.A., University of St. Thomas, St. Paul Previous elected, appointed or volunteer positions: City Council member (elected in 2008); Burnsville Planning Commission 1999-2005; Mary, Mother of the Church Finance and Personnel Council (past member). 1. Why should people vote for you? When I joined the City Council, the tone changed from combative to collaborative. While council members and citizens have differing views and wants for the city, it is important to seek common ground and find a common good. This means listening to all and respecting others’ opinions while keeping focused on the facts. Sometimes, when considering another’s point of view, I have even changed my mind! I do not feel I own all the good ideas for this community, and I am willing to listen and encourage others to offer theirs. 2. What are the key issues facing the city? How should the city address them? Burnsville is approaching a Golden Moment in economic development. The improvements underway for the intersection of Highway 13 and County Road 5 will dramatically change the appearance of the northwest quadrant and make the area more attractive for investment. Development here will take decades and will call for a

patient balancing of property owners’ rights and a development vision. As this unfolds, it will be important to permit some interim uses of the land in this area to allow property owners to get a return on their investments with a higher end use in sight. While this area is exciting and holds great opportunity, we must take care to retain our existing businesses and encourage their growth and expansion. 3. What cost-cutting measures to city spending would you support? In 2009, I was the swing voter who decided the budget (levy) increase should be zero. Staff responded by finding new ways to deliver services more economically. This mindset has continued, and despite some modest increases in the past few years, staff has become more efficient and uses technology in creative and comprehensive ways. I see little fat in city operations, but I think it is council’s job to encourage staff to find fat. I will further encourage partnering wherever we can with other communities and the county to deliver services — another thing Burnsville’s city staff does admirably. 4. Assess the work of the current mayor and council. What is your leadership style? I like to get the facts before reaching a decision. I am known for doing my homework — and there is a lot of that required of our council members. Armed with facts, I aim to reach consensus. Overall, I think this past council has done a pretty good job. Losing a longtime and highly esteemed council member, Charlie Crichton, was difficult. But Charlie’s legacy of watching the bottom line continues to be handled with care.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Walmart, from 1A Kautz and Skip Nienhaus, Burnsville’s economic development coordinator. The two officials attended an Aug. 6 meetand-greet session with Brooks and his team that was arranged by Sandra Schlaefer of Burnsvillebased employee benefit and insurance firm King and Cos. “We want you to know that we welcome you,” the mayor told store managers. “When you come into Burnsville, this is the way I look at it – we are family.” Much of the discussion focused on the new store’s philanthropic efforts in the community. Kautz suggested home fix-ups for senior citizens and early literacy programs as worthy beneficiaries. “We want everybody to know we’re here as part of the community,” said Brooks, whose previous position with Walmart was

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as fresh market manager for its Sam’s Club warehouse stores in Minnesota and North Dakota. “We want to be leaders in the community.” Walmart would outpace the Target store on County Road 42, with 315 workers, as Burnsville’s single largest retail employer, based on the 2011 DEED figures. The Costco retail warehouse that opened in 2010 on County Road 42 employs about 250, with another 150 product demonstrators, according to Nienhaus. The store will donate a minimum of $19,000 a year to local causes, Brooks said. Beyond that, employee volunteer projects in the community can be matched with $500 corporate checks, he said in an interview. Brooks said his team has already met with Sal Mondelli, CEO of Burnsville-based nonprofit 360 Communities.

Walmart is planning a volunteer project at a 360 Communities family shelter, which will be accompanied by a $500 donation, Brooks said.

Prototype store The Burnsville store is one of three smaller, leaner prototype stores opening in Minnesota, Brooks said. The stores are about 150,000 square feet and are designed to use less energy and accommodate customer traffic patterns, he said. Less product is stored onsite. “It has nothing to do with cutting costs,” Brooks said. “It’s more along the lines of customer feedback and being environmentally friendly.” Prototype stores will open in Lakeville in October and in Brooklyn Center in September, Brooks said. John Gessner can be reached at john.gessner@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Remembering the King

Photo by Rick Orndorf

The closing night of the Wednesday in the Park outdoor concert series at Burnsville’s Civic Center Park Aug. 1 featured Remember the King, a father-son Elvis tribute featuring Steve and Tommy Marcio. Closing night of the series, sponsored by the city and School District 191 Community Education, also featured classic cars displayed by the Southern Cruzers Car Club.

Burnsville police urge precautions after three recent burglaries Burnsville police are urging homeowners to take precautions after three recent burglaries in northeast Burnsville. The burglaries have occurred since July 10. In each case, the suspect or suspects entered through unlocked patio doors when the residents were at home sleeping. Hours of the burglaries are believed to be between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Losses include large, flatscreen televisions, laptop computers, iPods, jewelry, wallets and other items. Police remind residents to keep all doors and windows locked, especially those on ground level or are easily accessible. Consider double checking that doors are locked prior to going to sleep for the night. Residents should keep garage doors closed and, if

possible, consider closing blinds and drapes so people can’t see what’s inside the home, police advise.

Residents are urged to not leave garage-door openers inside vehicles parked outdoors.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Thisweekend All jazzed up in Burnsville

Photo submitted

Five-time Grammy Award winner Randy Brecker is set to headline this year’s Art & All That Jazz festival in Burnsville.

Art & All That Jazz festival returns to Nicollet Commons Park Aug. 18

bo; nine-piece salsa ensemble Charanga Tropical; and jazz-rock fusion band The Super Pilots. This will be the second year the Super Pilots have taken the stage in Nicollet Commons Park. The group features drummer JP Bouvet of Lakeville, who last year was crowned champion in the national Guitar Center Drum Off, and guitarist Mike Linden of Apple Valley. They’re joined in the Super Pilots by two of their Berklee College of Music classmates. The music at Art & All That Jazz runs from noon to 10 p.m. and admission is free. Food, beer and wine will be available from vendors throughout the day, and the stretch of Nicollet Avenue adjoining the park will be closed to traffic as it plays host to an art fair, an annual feature at the festival, which this year will see more than 40 artists with work for sale. More about the festival, including the performance schedule, is at www.burnsvilleartjazz.com.

by Andrew Miller Sun Thisweek

The headliner at this year’s Art & All That Jazz Festival brings an impressive resume to the stage. Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Parliament Funkadelic, Frank Zappa – trumpeter Randy Brecker has appeared on albums by all of them. The five-time Grammy Award winner best known for his work in the Brecker Brothers is set to close this year’s festival scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18, in Burnsville’s Nicollet Commons Park. Securing Brecker for the festival began with what basically amounted to a cold call, according to Dan Gustafson, event founder and lead organizer. “We were thrilled that not only did (Brecker) respond, but he was willing to perform,” Gustafson said. “It is a testament to our nine-year history of presenting acts of escalating quality.” Photo submitted Also set to perform at this year’s Art & All That Jazz The Super Pilots, featuring drummer JP Bouvet (far left) of are the Dakota Combo, featuring youth jazz talent from Lakeville and guitarist Mike Linden (second from right) of Andrew Miller can be reached at andrew.miller@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. across the Twin Cities; swing-jazz band Hot Swing Com- Apple Valley, return to Art & All That Jazz this year.

family calendar To submit items for the Family Calendar, email: darcy.odden@ ecm-inc.com.

Friday, Aug. 10 Outdoor movie, “Gnomeo and Juliet,” 7:30 p.m. seating, dusk showtime, part of Burnsville’s “Flicks on the Bricks” series at Nicollet Commons Park in the Heart of the City. Summer Fresh Friday Film, “Farm to School: Growing our Future,” 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Natural Foods, 13750 County Road 11, Burnsville. Information: (952) 8911212, ext. 221. Saturday, Aug. 11 Breakfast with Minnesota Twins players, 9 to 10 a.m. at the Chart House Restaurant in Lakeville. Register to win autographed Twins merchandise, bid in a live auction. Proceeds benefit Cheerful Givers birthday gift bag program. Breakfast/admission tickets are $30. VIP/breakfast tickets are $60. Space is limited. Register at http:// cgtwinsbreakfast12.eventbrite. com/. Monday, Aug. 13 NAMI Dakota County meeting at 7 p.m. at Mary, Mother of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville. This is an informational meeting including registration for the NAMIWalk in September. All are welcome. Information: www.nami.

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Tuesday, Aug. 14 Family Fun Tuesday – Minnesota Bluegrass for Kids with the Okee Dokee Brothers, 10 to 11 a.m. in the Sculpture Garden at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. $4 per person donation is suggested. Information: (651) 454-9412 or www. caponiartpark.org. Tuesday Evenings in the Garden – Hypertufa Garden Art with Cheryl Mann, 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the garden at UMore Park, 1605 160th St. W. (County Road 46), Rosemount. Create a garden mushroom that has an aged, concrete appearance and is light weight. Fee: $25. Questions or to register by phone, call University of Minnesota Extension: (651) 480-7700. Wednesday, Aug. 15 Eagan Market Fest, 4 to 8 p.m., Eagan Festival Grounds. Health & Wellness Night featuring free health screenings and information, fitness try-it stations, cooking demo, free kids’ art, family games and more. Information: www.cityofeagan.com/marketfest or (651) 675-5500. Power Divorce event, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Summit Executive Suites, 1500 McAndrews Road W., Burnsville. Spend 15 minutes one-on-one with each of six different experts in the family law profession. Free. Sponsored by Divorce Financial Directions of Burnsville. To reserve a spot, call Terryl Johnson at (952) 431-0805. Thursday, Aug. 16 Thursday Rockin’ Readers – Edward Neill Principal Elizabeth Vaught, 11:15 a.m., Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free.

Thursday Rockin’ Lunch Hour – Hans Mayer Music for Kids, noon, Nicollet Commons Park, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Free. Saturday, Aug. 18 Open house from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lexington Pet Clinic, 4250 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan. Bouncy house, tours of the clinic, animals from Sea Life Aquarium, Koi Club, face painting, Wags and Whiskers, and prizes. Dogs welcome. Free. Information: www.lexingtonpetclinic.com. Sunday, Aug. 19 Open house from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lutz Railroad Garden, 2960 Egan Ave., Eagan. Free. Trains will not run if raining. Information: (651) 454-3534. Blood drives The American Red Cross will hold the following blood drives. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. • Aug. 10, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Easter Lutheran Church – By The Lake, 4545 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan. • Aug. 10, noon to 5 p.m., Culver’s, 17800 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville. • Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dakota County Fair, 4008 220th St. W., Farmington. • Aug. 13, 1 to 6 p.m., Heritage Lutheran Church, 13401 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley. • Aug. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rosemount High School, 3335 142nd St. W., Rosemount. • Aug. 13, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Scott County Library, 100 J. Roberts Way, Elko New Market.

• Aug. 14, 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., District 191 Community Education Center, 200 W. Burnsville Parkway, Suite 102, Burnsville. • Aug. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., CrossRoads Church, 4100 Lexington Way, Eagan. • Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Prince of Peace Community Life Center, 13901 Fairview Drive, Burnsville. • Aug. 15, 3 to 8 p.m., Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan. • Aug. 16, noon to 6 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 3650 Williams Drive, Burnsville. • Aug. 16, noon to 5 p.m., St. Martha & Mary Episcopal Church, 4180 Lexington Ave. S., Eagan. • Aug. 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wings Financial Credit Union, 14985 Glazier Ave., Apple Valley. • Aug. 17, 2 to 8 p.m., Carmike 15 Theatres, 15630 Cedar Ave., Apple Valley. • Aug. 18, 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Burnhaven Library, 1101 W. County Road 42, Burnsville. Ongoing Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), a national Christian nondenominational program for mothers with children birth-kindergarten, will meet twice a month from September through May at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. MOPS moms need not be members of the church to join. The group offers participants a way to connect with other moms, form friendships, seek parenting advise, and learn more about Christian life. Registration is being accepted and on-site day care is provided for a small fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Information/registration: (952) 898-9356 or email MOPS@princeofpeaceonline.org.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

theater and arts calendar To submit items for the Arts Calendar, email: darcy.odden@ ecm-inc.com.

Books Mystery authors Marilyn Jax and Jim Proebstle from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at the Apple Valley Barnes & Noble, 14880 Florence Trail. Comedy Matt Fugate with special guest Ron Lamprecht at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10, and Saturday, Aug. 11, at MinneHAHA Comedy Club, 1583 E. First Ave., Shakopee (lower level of Dangerfield’s), (612) 860-9388, www.minnehahacomedyclub.com. Tickets: $13. Concerts Rufus Wainwright with Adam Cohen, Krystle Warren, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $39. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Tower of Power with Mick Sterling – Acoustic Soul, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Sold out. The 4onthefloor with Charlie Parr, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $20. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Monroe Crossing, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan. Suggested donation: $5. Rain location: Crossroads Church, 4100 Lexington Way, Eagan. Information: www.caponiartpark.org or (651) 454-9412. Summer Salon chamber concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, 701 E. 130th St., Burnsville. Suggested donation: $20. Information: (952) 890-7877 or www. ChurchApostles.org. The Suburbs, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Little Feat with Tom Fuller Band, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2, Subway Music in the Zoo, Minnesota Zoo amphitheater, Apple Valley. Cost: $34. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com. Exhibits/Art Shows Botanical art exhibit by The Great River Chapter of Botanical Artists at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Ave. Information: (952) 985-4640. Pilgrims and Passages, a joint exhibit featuring art by Anthony Donatelle and Jon Reischl, is on display through Sept. 8 in the gallery at Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave. For more infor-

mation, call (952) 895-4676 or visit www.burnsvillepac.com. Summer art show by local artist Amie Kieffer from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17-18 at 3245 145th St. W., Rosemount. The outdoor show will include about 60 original pieces; many will be for sale. Information: AK@AmieKieffer.com.

com or (651) 439-4219. The Eagan Art House offers classes for all ages. For a complete listing go to www.eaganarthouse. org or call (651) 675-5521. Dan Petrov Art Studio in Burnsville offers oil painting classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skill level painters, www. danpetrovart.com, (763) 843-2734. Festivals Teens Express Yourself with The Dakota County Fair runs Paint, 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at Aug. 6-12 at the fairgrounds in Brushworks School of Art in BurnsFarmington. Information: dako- ville, www.BrushworksSchoolofArt. tacountyfair.org. com, (651) 214-4732. Art and All That Jazz Festival, Drama/theater classes for noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, ages 4 and up at River Ridge Arts Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville. Building, Burnsville, (952) 736Free admission. Information: www. 3644. burnsvilleartjazz.com. Special needs theater program (autism-DCD), ages 5 and Theater older, Burnsville, (952) 736-3644. Expressions Community The- Join other 55-plus adults at the ater will present “The Odd Cou- Eagan Art House to create beaded ple” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 and jewelry. The Jewelry Club meets 17-18, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19 on the third Friday of each month at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, from 1 to 3 p.m. Information: (651) 20965 Holyoke Ave. Tickets are 675-5500. $12 and can be ordered at www. Savage Art Studios, 4735 W. lakeville-rapconnect.com or by call- 123rd St., Suite 200, Savage, offers ing (952) 985-4640. classes/workshops for all ages. In The Play’s The Thing Produc- formation: www.savageartstudios. tions will present “The Wizard of com or (952) 895-0375. Oz” at Burnsville Performing Arts Soy candle making classes Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., at 10 held weekly in Eagan near 55 and a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10; 7 Yankee Doodle. Call Jamie at (651) p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11; and 1 p.m. 315-4849 for dates and times. $10 Sunday, Aug. 12. Tickets are $14 per person. Presented by Making for adults and $12 for students and Scents in Minnesota. are available at the box office and Country line dance classes through Ticketmaster at (800) 982- held for intermediates Mondays 2787. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Rambling River Center, 325 Oak St., Farmington, Workshops/classes $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) 463 Allegro Choral Academy is 7833. currently accepting registrations for Country line dance classes on its 2012-13 season for students in Wednesdays at the Lakeville Senior second to eighth grade. Classes Center, 20732 Holt Ave. Beginners, available in Rosemount and Lakev- 9-10 a.m.; Intermediate, 10 a.m.ille. Early bird discount if registered noon. $5/class. Call Marilyn (651) before Aug. 24. Registration infor- 463-7833. mation: http://www.allegroca.org/ or The Lakeville Area Arts Center nmarschall@allegroca.org. offers arts classes for all ages, DanceFit free preview class at www.lakevillemn.gov, (952) 9856:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 4640. Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis. Eight-week class begins Oct. 15. Information: www.insidertrainingfitness.com. Intermediate digital photography workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 18, at Caponi Art Park, Eagan. Free, $5 suggested donation. Registration required. Information: www.caponiartpark. org or (651) 454-9412. The Eagan Art House Adult painting open studio will hold its seventh annual from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Fridays of the month at the Harvest of Art Community Eagan Art House, 3981 Lexington Art Exhibit Sept. 9 through Ave. S. Fee is $5 per session. Infor- Nov. 2. All south-of-the-rivmation: (651) 675-5521. er artists, ages 8 and older, Music Together in the Valley may submit entries. All meoffers classes for parents and their infant, toddler and preschool chil- dia are accepted. dren in Rosemount, Farmington, Registration fee for up to Lakeville and Apple Valley. Informa- two pieces of artwork is $16 tion: www.musictogetherclasses. per person for ages 8 to 18

theater and arts briefs Harvest of Art call for artists

An evening of jazz

Photo by Lynn Goldsmith

Jazz musicians David Sanborn, above, and Brian Culbertson will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, 12600 Nicollet Ave., Burnsville. Tickets are $46 and can be purchased at the box office, by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

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and $22 per person for ages 19 and older. Register by Aug. 20. Complete exhibit guidelines are available at www.eaganarthouse.org. For more information, call the Eagan Art House at (651) 675-5521.

Photo submitted

Local actors Brandon Holscher, left, and Scott Carson butt heads as mismatched roomies in “The Odd Couple.”

‘Odd Couple’ comes to Lakeville stage Classic Neil Simon play runs Aug. 10-19 at arts center

Felix and Oscar are at it again. Lakeville-based community theater group Expressions is bringing the mismatched pair of roommates to the stage of the Lakeville Area Arts Center this month with its production of “The Odd Couple.” Expressions’ presentation of the classic Neil Simon play opens Friday, Aug. 10, and runs through Aug. 19. Local actors Scott Carson and Brandon Holscher are cast in the title roles. Carson plays neat-freak

news reporter Felix Ungar, and Brandon Holscher is the slovenly sports writer Oscar Madison. After its debut on Broadway in 1965, “The Odd Couple” was adapted into a film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and later, a TV series. The Lakeville show’s director, Andy Wilkins, said the Expressions production will remain true to Simon’s original script. “It’s one of Simon’s best plays,” Wilkins said. “The great thing about ‘The Odd Couple’ is how timeless it is.

And it’s written in a rapidfire style – the lines just layer on top of one another. It’s so quick-witted.” The eight-actor cast also includes Beth Adams, Alan Davis, Keith Mattson, Michael Morningstar, Mike Reardon and Jana TackNorland. Show times for “The Odd Couple” are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10-11 and 17-18, and 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered at the www.lakeville-rapconnect.com or by calling (952) 985-4640. —Andrew Miller

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Sports

August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Olympics emboldens athletes of all kinds “Three of my own kids swim on the team and they’ve been glued to the TV,” Robrock said. “Especially having Rachel Bootsma (from Eden Prairie) qualify who literally they’ve rubbed elbows with.”

Area athletic clubs experience surge in interest following games by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

Olympians invigorate the spirit in many ways. They bring out a sense of national pride and a whirlwind of entertainment for a few weeks. For many, they inspire potential athletes to get off the couch and participate. Every four years, a new crop of contestants blooms thanks to a little watering from the Olympics. Area athletic clubs generally see a rise in interest around this time of year for gymnastics and swimming along with the less mainstream activities like table tennis and rowing. “It is a safe bet to say that the Olympics will help boost enrollment this year,” said Katia McNamara from IGM Gymnastics in Burnsville. “We are optimistic that the Olympics will inspire more kids.”

More somersaults Watching Gabby Douglas win an individual gold medal along with the US Women’s team tends to stimulate interest in the aerobatics. “We have seen a noticeable increase in enrollment at both locations this summer,” said Julia Thompson, owner and director of TAGs Gymnastics in Apple Valley and Eden Prairie. “The last major increase was in the spring of 2005, following the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens.” TAGS plans on having a packed gym when the new

season starts on Sept. 4 and will hire additional coaches. Elite Gymnastics Academy in Burnsville also noticed new families coming aboard, so they added more classes and additional class times. “Olympic fever has definitely spread among our gymnasts,” said Sara Spurlock from Elite Gymnastics. “It’s a lot of fun to see our gymnasts watch the Olympics gymnasts compete and exclaim ‘I can do that.’ ‘That’s amazing!’ and ‘Will we learn that in practice?’ ” With many of the girls wearing Olympic-themed leotards while participating in Olympic-themed camps throughout the summer, eyes were glued to the TAGs gym television when the women’s team won on July 31 for the first time since 1996.

Dive in Michael Phelps alone has likely inspired the sale of thousands of swimming goggles in Minnesota. That’s good news for the economy. Black Dog Swimming Club out of Burnsville has experienced a dip in participants in recent years, which Brenda Robrock, coach and business manager at Blackdog, attributes to the Great Recession. “The numbers have been down the last few years and more people are asking for scholarships,” Robrock said. “Although, we saw a slight increase last year. Typically, though, when we have registration in the fall

Rock the boat

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Area gymnastics clubs generally experience a surge of interest and registration following the Olympics. Clubs plan on adding extra classes and staff during the fall sessions. we usually see more interest in years following the Olympics. In the past we’ve hired more coaches and made more practice times available.” Minnesota swimming in general saw a 12 percent increase in 2005 and a 10 percent increase in 2009 following the Olympics. In off years, sometimes the rate amounts to a decrease. The Storm Swim Club out of Lakeville and Prior Lake has been growing steadily through the past decade, but in 2009 it saw a bump of 25 percent in registration after the 2008 Olympics. “The better the athletes do, the more excited they get,” Chuck Smith from

Storm Swimming said. “If we get a bunch of bronze medals or something, (the kids) might be like ‘whatever.’ ” But it is nice to see your sport get some attention for once. “The kids really enjoyed watching their sport on the big stage,” Smith said. “It’s not like football in fall where it’s all anybody talks about. Every four years it’s nice to see your sport become popular. It’s something to be proud of. It’s nice to hear their buddies on the football team or girls come up to them and say ‘You’re a swimmer? That’s really cool.’ ” It’s not just Phelps doing the inspiring either.

Not all of the summer Olympic sports are as popular in the United States as swimming and gymnastics. But every four years, interest grows in those less mainstream sports. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s not surprising there’s an active rowing community. “There is a slight upswing in rowing interest during the Olympics,” said Ann Schley, the “Learn to Row” coordinator at the Minneapolis Rowing Club. “In general though, people contact us all year long about learning to row.” They offer 10 sessions each summer. With 300 people on the mailing list, classes fill quickly. If you’re interested in trying rowing, there are five rowing clubs in or near the Twin Cites including the Minneapolis Rowing Club, the MN Boat Club in St. Paul, Twin City Youth Rowing Club (juniors only) in Eden Prairie.

Ping pong

play,” said Minnesota Table Tennis Association’s Mitchell Seidenfeld, who lives in Lakeville and won two gold medals at the 2007 Parapan American Games. “We know there’s millions playing in their basement and garages across the country regularly, but there’s only 8,000 registered U.S. table tennis members. “The Olympics may attribute negatively in that respect when they see them play so fast.” The Minnesota Table Tennis Association counters that with leagues for the novice and handicaps for the uninitiated. Having table tennis an official Olympic sport also seems to legitimize the activity. “It provides a long-term goal,” Seidenfeld said. “When parents are looking for something for their kid to get involved with, it helps when they see it’s an Olympic sport. And parents know their kid isn’t going to get hurt.” The Minnesota Table Tennis Association has leagues at the Bloomington National Guard Armory on Monday nights. More information is available at www. tabletennismn.com. Newcomers should have plenty of people to play with. “The Olympics have definitely increased awareness and gotten people excited to go out and play,” Seidenfeld said. “I’ve gotten some calls from new players looking to get involved.”

The Olympic sports see a spike in interest, but it’s not always positive for table tennis. The difference in ability from the average Joe to the Olympians seems drastic with their flips and smashes. “There’s always been a Andy Rogers can be reached challenge for people to take at andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com that step into organized or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Burnsville Legion third at state Eastview exits state Eden Prairie puts and end to the Cobras’s run by Andy Rogers Sun Thisweek

After spending most of the season ranked No. 1 in Minnesota, the Burnsville American Legion baseball team finished third at the state tournament. Eden Prairie put an end to the Burnsville Cobras’ season 7-2 on Monday in Chaska. Burnsville just missed out on advancing to the Central Plains Regional Tournament in North Dakota. Only the top two teams, Eden Prairie and Edina, advance to the next round. Eden Prairie, last year’s national American Legion World Series champion, took an early 7-0 lead on Monday after two innings thanks to a pair of multiple RBI doubles from Jordan Smith and Miles Nablo. Logan Kent of the Cobras hit a two-RBI single in the sixth inning sending home Tyler Hanson and Bo Hellquist while Matt Stemper had three hits in the loss. The Cobras ran out of rested throwing arms. Cooper Maas was charged with the loss after giving up the initial runs. Brian VanderWoude and Zach Smith made appearances during the remaining innings after pitching earlier in the tournament along with Aaron Rozek and Quinn Johnson. The Cobras defeated Eden Prairie in the first round 6-0 thanks to 10 hits and a complete game

Photo by Brian Nelson

Burnsville Cobras’s Bryce Pruszinske takes a swing against Eden Prairie at the state American Legion tournament on Monday in Chaska.

Burnsville also defeated TriCity Red on Saturday in a pitchers’ duel. Hill and Dan Motl scored the team’s runs. Hellquist got the complete-game victory allowing three hits in nine innings. In the state semifinals, Burnsville lost to Edina 5-1 on Sunday. Burnsville had nine hits, but only managed a run coming from a Dillon Bloomquist RBI that sent home Hanson. The Cobras then went through the losers bracket where the team defeated Grand Rapids 11-1. Hellquist had a double and a triple to go with four RBI. Stemper added three RBI. Luke Chinn got the complete-game victory on the mound. That set up a rematch with Eden Prairie who worked its way through the losers bracket back to the top. Burnsville finished the season ranked No. 2 on July 29 in the final coaches and media poll behind Eastview after finishing runner-up in the District 4 tournament. The Cobras were ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll on June 3 every week up to July 22. It was the team’s best finish at state since 2006 when the Cobras finished third as well.

shutout win from Hanson on the mound. Hanson also had two hits and two RBI. Burnsville advanced through the winners bracket with a win against Winona 6-2. Tyler Hill was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Stemper had two RBI and Kolten Kenly had two hits. VanderWoude Andy Rogers can be reached at pitched five scoreless and hitless andy.rogers@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek. innings.

Legion tourney quickly Top-ranked Thunder goes 0-2 by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

the top of the seventh inning on a two-run double and two-run homer. Eastview loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the ninth, but New Ulm Gold escaped without allowing a run. Barry was 3-for-5 with two RBI for the Thunder, and center fielder Brennan EspindaBanick had two hits and one RBI. Starting pitcher Marcus Frederickson allowed three runs in the first six innings. Adam Moorse started the seventh inning but allowed four runs (three earned) while getting just one out. Eastview made its fourth state tournament appearance in the last five years. The Thunder won the state championship in 2008. Edina and Eden Prairie earned the state’s two spots in the Central Plains Regional tournament that started Thursday in Dickinson, N.D. Eden Prairie is the defending national American Legion champion. Burnsville finished third in the state tournament, losing 7-2 to Eden Prairie on Monday in Chaska in a game that determined one of the state’s regional qualifiers.

After going undefeated in the Third District playoffs, the Eastview American Legion baseball team’s season ended quietly with two consecutive losses in the state tournament. The Thunder (23-7) lost 5-4 to Hopkins and 8-5 to New Ulm Gold in state tournament games Aug. 3 at Chanhassen High School. Eastview entered the tournament as the top-ranked team in the state American Legion poll. Hopkins scored all of its runs in the sixth inning of its firstround game against Eastview. Thunder starting pitcher Patrick Strey held Hopkins scoreless through the first five innings. In the sixth, the first seven Hopkins hitters reached base, with the key hit being a three-run homer by Matt Sinderson. Outfielder Cameron Hall was 2-for-4 with two RBI for Eastview. Shortstop David Barry was 2-for-4 with one run, and first baseman Evan DeCovich drove in two runs. New Ulm Gold rallied from a Mike Shaughnessy is at mike. 5-1 deficit to win its elimination shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or game against Eastview later Fri- facebook.com/sunthisweek. day. New Ulm took a 7-5 lead in

Notebook: Whistle blows for fall sports practices Monday by Mike Shaughnessy Sun Thisweek

At approximately 8 a.m. Monday, high school athletes and coaches from across Dakota County begin a new season. It’s the first day for coach-supervised fall sports practices, and the new season presents plenty of storylines. One of them is the football playoff shakeup. This is the first year of the Minnesota State High School League’s seven-class playoff format. The major change puts the state’s 32 largest high schools in their own class (6A). Seven of the South Suburban Conference’s 10 schools – all but Apple Val-

ley, Bloomington Jefferson and Bloomington Kennedy – will be in Class 6A. Apple Valley and Farmington fell just below the enrollment cutoff for Class 6A and are now in Class 5A, where they will be in Section 3 along with Bloomington Jefferson, Bloomington Kennedy, Minneapolis Southwest and St. Louis Park. The other seven South Suburban schools – Burnsville, Eagan, Eastview, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Prior Lake and Rosemount – will be in Section 3 of Class 6A. But under the MSHSL’s new format for the Class 6A playoffs only, it will be possible for two teams from the same section

to reach the Prep Bowl. After the first playoff round, cross-section matchups will take place. Once eight teams are left, they will be seeded in a format similar to what the MSHSL uses in other sports, such as hockey and basketball. There should be plenty of intrigue in volleyball, particularly in Lakeville, where Steve Willingham takes over as head coach at Lakeville South. He was head coach at Lakeville North last season. North, which has finished first and second in the last two Class 3A state tournaments, had longtime Apple Valley head coach Walt Weaver come out of high school volleyball retirement to take over

the program. Girls cross country should be strong in the South Suburban, with Lakeville South and Eagan returning plenty of runners from teams that finished in the top 10 at state last season. The South Suburban also likely will be a force in girls soccer. Three teams from the league teams were in the state tournament last season with Burnsville finishing second, Lakeville North taking fourth and Eastview reaching the quarterfinal round.

each had first- and secondplace finishes at the USA Wrestling Junior and Cadet National championships last month in Fargo, N.D. Manville, wrestling at 145 pounds, took first in the Greco-Roman competition and second in freestyle. Gross was first in freestyle and second in Greco-Roman at 126. Both earned All-American status at nationals, as did AVHS wrestlers Dayton Racer, Gannon Volk and Jackson Graham. Mark Hall, who won individual state championships as a seventh- and eighth-grader Wrestling notes at AVHS, won the Cadet Apple Valley High 152-pound freestyle title. School wrestlers Mason Meanwhile, Destin McManville and Seth Gross Cauley, Apple Valley’s only

five-time state high school individual champion, announced he would remain at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., for at least one more year. He had been scheduled to enroll at Iowa State University this fall. After McCauley won his fifth state high school championship in March 2011, he went to Colorado to continue training, with the goal of making the 2012 U.S. Olympic team. That didn’t happen, and he’s now aiming for the 2016 Olympics. Mike Shaughnessy can be reached at mike.shaughnessy@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Accretive banned from Minnesota for two years Debt collection agency settles federal lawsuit filed by attorney general by Lisa Kaczke Sun Thisweek

Accretive Health Inc. will cease operating in Minnesota for two years, according to a settlement in a federal lawsuit brought against the company by Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson. Accretive Health, the debt collection agency whose actions at Fairview hospitals were at the center of a scathing report by Swanson, is banned entirely from Minnesota for two years followed by four years in which it can only re-enter Minnesota with an agreement with Swanson, according to a settlement announced by the attorney general’s office on Tuesday, July 31. Accretive Health must cease all operations in Minnesota by Nov. 1. “The Minnesota At-

torney General’s actions towards Accretive Health were unnecessarily aggressive and, unfortunately, will cost more than 100 Minnesotans their jobs,” Accretive Chief Executive Officer Mary Tolan said in a statement. Accretive Health will also pay about $2.5 million to the state, which will be part of a restitution fund used to compensate patients, and return all data about Minnesota patients in its possession to its client hospitals, according to the attorney general’s office. An independent auditor will confirm that Accretive Health has returned the data. “A hospital emergency room is a place of medical trauma and emotional suffering for patients and their families,” Swanson said in a statement. “It should be a

solemn place, not a place for a financial shakedown of patients. It is good to close the door on this disturbing chapter in Minnesota health care.” Accretive Health maintains that Swanson’s allegations are “either baseless or exaggerated,” according to Tolan. Fairview Health Services has already severed ties with the Chicago-based company. Accretive Health has also ceased operating in the Maple Grove Hospital. North Memorial Medical Center is currently contracting with Accretive, although it is not in a collection agency capacity, according to a statement from North Memorial. It hired Accretive Health to assist North Memorial with revenue cycle See Accretive, 22A

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Burnsville chamber selects new president The Burnsville Chamber of Commerce has selected Bill Corby, currently president of the Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, as its new president. Corby will assume his new duties on Sept. 4. “We are very excited to welcome Bill to the Burnsville Chamber and community,” said Dennis Diessner, chairman of the board and executive vice president/chief operating officer of Kraus Anderson Insurance of Burnsville. “Daron left a strong platform for Bill to operate from and similarly he brings with him a strong reputation in the chamber industry,” Diessner said. Corby succeeds outgoing president Daron Van Helden who is departing after 10 years to join Burnsville-based Pawn America. As Burnsville Chamber president, Corby will manage the 47-year-old, 575-member organization, help it continue to grow and be the voice of the local business community. Corby brings five years of chamber leadership experience in Hutchinson to Burnsville, along with previous years of small business ownership. “I am ecstatic about the opportunity to serve Burnsville businesses and community through the Burnsville Chamber of Commerce,” Corby said. “My enthusiasm is building as I look forward to the new challenge and building new relationships.”

Masin faces surprise challenger in primary by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

For several months, it appeared Sandra Masin, a DFL endorsed candidate, would be the only Democrat to move forward in the House DisSandra trict 51A race. That was until Burns- Masin ville resident Milton Walden put his name in the hat in May, prompting a primary Aug. 14. Walden, who could not be reached for comment, has no campaign website, and according to recent reports, he has said he doesn’t intend to actively campaign. The legislative district hasn’t seen many candidates enter so late in the game, said John Wells chair of Senate District 51 DFL. “Running for office is not to be taken flippantly,” Wells said. “If it’s done seriously and thoughtfully, that’s what the system is

about.” Walden has admitted he has never been active in the party and didn’t attend the state convention in February, according to reports. Wells said he is confident Masin will win the primary “by a landslide.” “She’s the only choice,” he said. “She’s put more time into public service.” When asked whether he believes the unexpected primary will put a damper on Masin’s run against Republican Rep. Diane Anderson, Wells said no. “I think she needs to change her campaign slightly to make sure people vote in the primary, but she has made it clear who the right choice is when choosing between Sandra and Diane,” he said. Jessica Harper is at jessica.harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/ sunthisweek.

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Phillips Pietruszewski Christy Ellen Phillips, daughter or Thomas & Mary Kay Phillips of Burnsville, and Michael Lee Pietruszewski, son of Terry & Betty Pietruszewski of Strandquist, announce their engagement. Christy is a 2001 graduate of Burnsville High School and a 2005 graduate of UW-Stout. Michael is a 2000 graduate of Stephen/Argyle High School and a 2005 graduate of Bemidji State University. An August 25th wedding is planned at Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville.

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Cable-Heger Phil and Carla Cable of Apple Valley and Dave and Deb Heger of Menomonee Falls, WI, have announced the engagement of their children, Catherine Cable and Matt Heger. Catherine is a 2005 graduate of the Academy of Holy Angels and a 2012 graduate of Marquette University. She is a Physical Therapist at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee. Matt is a 2005 graduate of Menomonee Falls High School and a 2009 graduate of Marquette University. He is a CPA at Baker Tilly in Milwaukee. A September 2012 wedding is planned at The Church of the Risen Savior, Burnsville.

�� Jerry G. Kingrey

Jake Gourley Junior Olympic Medalist EHS Junior Jake Gourley anchored Track MN Elite's 4 x100 relay to medal at the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, TX.

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Hickman, Gourley, Blanchard, and Gillespie became All American's placing 7th out of 54 relay teams from across the country. Gourley also ran in the USATF Nationals in Baltimore, MD where he made the semi-finals of the 100m and 200m ranking 14th in both.

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Age 77, of Apple Valley, MN, passed away on August 2, 2012 following a valiant fight with Multiple Sclerosis. Jerry was a man who put others before himself, and was known to make personal sacrifices to help people in his life. He was a man of honor and true to his word, with values forged on the farm and in small town America. He was a loving father, an accomplished athlete, and a caring coach. Jerry was a veteran of the Korean War, and was honorably discharged by the United States Army on March 31st, 1961 with the rank of Sgt. First Class. He is survived by his children, Dave (Cindy) Kingrey, Lisa Kingrey (Jeff) Johnson, Curtis (Mikki) Kingrey, and many grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Visitation will be held August 13th from 11-12, followed by a memorial service from 12-1, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. Jerry will receive military funeral honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on August 14 at 12:15 in Lane 2.

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Josh & Betsy (Booton) Mundahl Married August 12, 2011 Congratulations on your 1st wedding anniversary! Best wishes always. We’re so happy for you. With Love, Your Families

Darah Lynn Robertson

8/12/89

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On your 23rd birthday A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again & again. By Maya Angelou

To submit an announcement Forms for birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary and obituaries announcements are available at our office and online at www.thisweeklive.com (click on “Announcements” and then “Send Announcement”). Completed forms may be e-mailed to class.thisweek@ecm-inc.com or mailed to Sun Thisweek, 15322 Galaxie Ave., Suite 219, Apple Valley, MN 55124. If you are submitting a photograph along with your announcement, please only submit photographs for which you have the right to permit Sun Thisweek to use and publish. Deadline for announcements is 4 p.m. Tuesday. A fee of $50 will be charged for the first 5 inches and $10 per inch thereafter. They will run in all editions of Sun Thisweek. Photos may be picked up at the office within 60 days or returned by mail if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is provided.

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Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

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Eagan men charged in drug deal turned robbery by Jessica Harper Sun Thisweek

Two Eagan men are facing felony charges after allegedly agreeing to sell a man drugs and instead robbing and assaulting him. Joey James Brown, 18, and Paul Earnest McWilliams Jr., 20, were charged Aug. 3 by the Dakota County Attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office with first-degree felony aggravated robbery and second-degree felony aiding and abetting an assault. According to the criminal complaint, a man called police at about 2 a.m. Aug. 1 to report a robbery in Eagan. When officers arrived, they spoke with the alleged victim who told them he pulled into the parking lot of his apartment building at about 11:30 p.m. Aug. 31 and could smell marijua-

Joey Brown

Paul McWilliams Jr.

na coming from a nearby vehicle. The man approached the vehicle and asked Brown and McWilliams, who were in the car, if he could buy marijuana from them. McWilliams allegedly gave the man his cell phone number and arranged a deal via text message. Upon receiving a text later that night, the man met the two men in the same parking lot. As he spoke with Brown and

McWilliams, a third man, identified in the complaint as J.P.C., approached the alleged victim from behind, put a gun to his head and told the man to give him all his money, according to the complaint. The man had previously hid his money in his sock and when J.P.C. discovered the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pockets were empty, he allegedly punched him in the jaw and back of the head and pistol whipped him in the face. The man attempted to flee, but J.P.C. jumped on top of him and pistol whipped him again, the complaint said. All three men allegedly told the man to get into the car and they drove to a bank where J.P.C. and McWilliams took the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s debit card and withdrew $300 from an ATM.

Foundation 191 golf tournament Foundation 191 will hold its fourth annual golf tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at Crystal Lake Golf Club in Lakeville. The 18-hole best ball tournament will raise proceeds to benefit Foundation 191, the Burnsville-Eagan-

Savage education foundation. The $125 cost includes golf with cart, dinner, prizes, and more. A dinner only option is available for $20. Registration information is available at www.foundation191.org. Event and hole

sponsorship opportunities are still available. For additional information or sponsorship opportunities contact Tom Umhoefer at (952) 707-4112, or Tumhoefer@ burnsville.k12.mn.us.

After the men returned the man to the apartment parking lot, the alleged victim called his friends, who when they approached the parking lot, they noticed a handgun in the road. One of the friends picked it up with his shirt and placed it in the seat of his car before handing it over to police. In an interview with police, McWilliams and Brown admitted to being in the car when the man asked to buy drugs from them. McWilliams contended he too was robbed, but declined to provide a detailed description of the robber.

Brown, however, said they left under the pretext that they would pick up marijuana for the man but instead picked up J.P.C. Upon returning to the apartment, the men dropped off J.P.C. a short distance away and intended to make it appear he was holding up all three men. Brown told police things got out of hand with how J.P.C. treated the man. He said J.P.C. lost the gun during a scuffle with the man. McWilliams has prior convictions that include petty misdemeanor drug possession in 2011 and

March 2012. He remains in jail with bail set at $60,000. Brown was released Aug. 3 on $5,000 bail. McWilliams is schedule to appear in court at 9 a.m. Aug. 21 and Brown is set to appear at 9 a.m. Sept. 25 Both face up to 20 years if convicted of the robbery charge and up to seven years if convicted of aiding and abetting an assault. Police are still investigating the third man involved in the alleged robbery. Jessica Harper is at jessica. harper@ecm-inc.com or facebook.com/sunthisweek.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan August 10, 2012

Dakota County Fair returns

Photo by Rick Orndorf

Dakota County Dairy Princesses Beth Donnelly, Maggie Stiles, and Janna Sorg were tasting judges during the Dairy Cooking Contest at the Dakota County Fair on Tuesday night.

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August 10, 2012 Sun Thisweek - Burnsville - Eagan

Accretive, from 15A management. It decided to cut ties with Accretive prior to Swanson’s settlement announcement. North Memorial began its business relationship with Accretive Health in 2011. The lawsuit, filed in January, alleged that Accretive Health violated state and federal health privacy laws and Minnesota debt collection laws. Swanson filed the lawsuit after a laptop was stolen in 2011 that contained data on about 23,500 patients at Fairview Health Services and North Memorial. No patient data was accessed from the laptop, and the settlement isn’t an admission of liability or wrongdoing, according to Accretive. “In order to prevent this matter from being a continued distraction, (Accretive) has entered into a settlement that makes clear that there was no wrongdoing on its part and no findings of fault against any of its employees,” according to a

statement from Accretive. The lawsuit was amended to include the allegation that Accretive Health embedded its employees into the staff at Minnesota hospitals and managed employees engaged in collections and patient registration. Swanson outlined in a report released in April how Accretive Health implemented a system in Fairview hospitals to pressure patients to pay at least a portion of their bills in either pre-registration or registration, even if the patient had an insurance provider. The tactics caused patients to leave Fairview emergency rooms without being treated, according to the report. The report was followed by the nonrenewal of Fairview CEO Mark Eustis’s contract in May by the Fairview board of directors. In the lawsuit against Accretive Health, the attorney general’s office had affidavits from about 60 patients regarding the actions at the hospitals, including: • A mother who was taken from the bedside of her daughter, who tried to

overdose on a bottle of pills and was made to pay $500 before she could return to her daughter’s bedside • A woman who was told her newborn baby couldn’t be discharged from the hospital unless she paid $800. • A pregnant woman who was asked to pay money while she was miscarrying her baby. Accretive took issue with Swanson’s allegations in its statement released after the settlement. “Additionally, throughout the course of her investigation, the Attorney General did not and could not identify a single patient in Minnesota who experienced a problematic interaction with an Accretive Health employee,” according to the statement. It also claimed that Accretive staff “never witnessed client personnel demonstrate inappropriate behavior toward a patient and there were no cases found of a single patient, out of millions of interactions, that even alleged they were ever denied care by any person.”

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